Bhubaneswar:
The Odisha assembly today took an unanimous resolution to appeal the Maoists to release the two abducted Italian nationals.
The house also witnessed a noisy scene as the Opposition Congress members demanded clarification from the state government on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's remark against the Centre over the hostage crisis.
The resolution was moved by the leader of the house and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik saying, "This house expresses deep concern on the issue of abduction of two Italian nationals. The house unanimously appeals for the safe release of the two foreign nationals. The house also shares the agony and anxiety of family members of the two Italian nationals."
When the resolution was moved, Opposition Congress members who earlier favoured passing of the resolution, demanded chief minister's clarification on his statement against the Centre yesterday.
Government was adamant on its stance and instead of giving clarification the chief minister moved the resolution and it was passed by voice vote when the Opposition members were protesting in the well of the house.
Meanwhile, in New Delhi, BJD and BJP joined hands in attacking the Centre on the abduction of two Italian nationals in Odisha and demanded a statement from the government in the Lok Sabha.
BJP leader L K Advani demanded that either the Home Minister or the External Affairs Minister make a statement in Lok Sabha on Monday when the House meets after a weekend break and explain the details of the incident involving Bosusco Paolo and Claudio Colangelo and also what could be done to secure their release.